Mercury (Budh)

Mercury in Vedic astrology

Mercury is Budh in Sanskrit, also called Saumya, the gentle one, and in the Puranic story he is the son of the Moon. In the navagraha court he is the prince: young, quick and curious. By tradition Mercury is a benefic, unless joined with malefics, because he takes on the colour of the planets he sits with more than any other graha.

What Mercury signifies

Mercury's karakatva covers the intellect, speech, writing, trade, accounts, learning and humour. He is read for analytical thinking, languages, mathematics, commerce, communication and every kind of skill that needs a nimble mind. He also shows adaptability and the playful, youthful side of a person.

Dignity: where Mercury is strong

Mercury owns Gemini and Virgo, and Virgo is unusual in being his own sign, his moolatrikona and his exaltation at once, classically deepest at 15 degrees. He is debilitated in Pisces, the sign opposite. In Virgo his precision and discrimination are at their best; in Pisces, a sign of feeling and faith, logic must make room for intuition, and the lesson is to think clearly without losing compassion.

Friends and enemies of Mercury

In Parashara's natural friendships, Mercury counts the Sun and Venus as friends, holds Mars, Jupiter and Saturn as neutral, and treats the Moon as an enemy. The Moon, for her part, regards Mercury as a friend, so the relationship is not returned. Mercury is often close to the Sun in the sky and is frequently combust, which classical texts treat lightly in his case.

Nakshatras ruled by Mercury

Mercury rules Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Revati. Each is the last nakshatra of a water sign, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, where one cycle of the zodiac closes. Ashlesha is perceptive, Jyeshtha responsible and Revati gentle and guiding. A person born with the Moon in one of these begins life in the Mercury Mahadasha.

The Mercury Mahadasha

The Mercury Mahadasha lasts 17 years in the Vimshottari scheme; it follows Saturn and comes before Ketu. It tends to bring study, business, writing, communication, travel for work and friendships to the front. With a well-placed Mercury it is traditionally a time of learning and commercial growth; under strain, scattered effort or nervous overthinking may need attention, and finishing one task at a time helps.

Mercury in the twelve houses

Mercury brings thought, speech and trade to his house, and follows the planets he joins.

• 1st house: his strongest house by direction; a youthful, witty nature
• 2nd house: skilled speech and a head for accounts
• 3rd house: writing, media and short journeys
• 4th house: a learned home; education and books
• 5th house: a sharp intellect; skill in study and planning
• 6th house: analysis, service and solving problems
• 7th house: a clever partner; business partnerships
• 8th house: research and interest in hidden matters
• 9th house: higher learning, publishing and philosophy
• 10th house: a career in trade, communication or numbers
• 11th house: gains through networks and commerce
• 12th house: a reflective mind; work with foreign lands

Traditional remedies for Mercury

Mercury's day is Wednesday, his colour green, his direction the North and his number 5. His deity is Vishnu, and reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama is a widely followed practice. His mantra is Om Braam Breem Braum Sah Budhaya Namah. Charity of green gram or green cloth on Wednesday, and helping children with their studies, are the traditional offerings.

His gemstone is Emerald, traditionally set in gold and worn on the little finger, with peridot as a substitute. Consult an astrologer before wearing a gemstone, since strengthening Mercury does not suit every chart; the mantra and charity suit everyone.